HATFIELD- For some North Penn Winter Sports teams, February means the end of their season; for the North Penn Ice Hockey Team, their journey may be just beginning. The Knights currently sit at 9-3-5 and look to continue their success into the post season. Amid some uncertainty of the future of the Ice Hockey program, with financial support to fund the program somewhat in limbo right now, the Knights continue to persistently push their way through this season, aiming for another postseason run.
“Our goal for the remainder of the year is to look to get better each week, learn from our mistakes and hopefully correct them, and head into the playoffs playing our best hockey” said Coach Kevin Vaitis.
The Knights have had a successful season so far and will certainly be a dangerous team when it comes to the postseason. “Hopefully we can put it all together for a league championship and possibly a state championship” said Vaitis.
The Knights kicked off the pivotal month of February with an 11-1 victory over Central Bucks West. The Knights’ controlled all factes of the game, as they posted over fifty shots in a little more than two periods of play, with Matt Barkleyearning the hat trick. Christian Ahn, Caleb Witzaney, and Ryan Merk added two goals each, and Defenseman Jeremy Snyder recorded four assists in the Suburban League victory. Jake Wolff was sold in goal for the Knights in the winning effort.
With lofty goals for the remainder of the season, the Knights will have to use the depth they have on offense and defense. On Defense Witzaney, Snyder and Rich Feher have led the way for the Knights, while Merk and Matt Stella have commanded much of the offensive attack.
Over the course of the season there have been some key victories that have not only helped in the win column, but have also boosted the team’s confidence, including victories over Council Rock North and Pennsbury by scores of 7-2 and 2-1 respectively.
“They are two teams that have always had very successful hockey programs and usually go far into the playoffs” said Vaitis.
However the Knights have experienced some inconsistencies with key losses coming against Souderton, a team they handily defeated earlier in the season, as well as the first place and undefeated C.B. South Titans. Wins over these two teams would have pushed the Knights to an elite level, but they still find themselves in a position to achieve their goals for this season.
The North Penn Ice Hockey program is often overlooked due to their separation from the rest of the winter sports, and it may be that only time will tell the future of Knights Ice Hockey, but for now they are certainly a team to watch, and continue to seek the support of their fan base, particularly in home games at Hatfield Ice. The Knights next have a double header this week with back to back games against Upper Moreland Thursday at 9:00 and Holy Ghost Prep Friday at 9:00 at Hatfield Ice.